NALDA sets up agri-business institute restore Nigeria’s agricultural sector

In an effort to rejuvenate Nigeria’s aging farmer population, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has launched the Institute of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship across the nation’s six geopolitical zones. Paul Ikonne, NALDA’s Executive Secretary, stated that this initiative aims to modernize agribusiness, making it an attractive career choice for young people in Nigeria.

Ikonne highlighted that the institute will combine practical training, specialized curricula, advanced technology, and entrepreneurial education to enhance agribusiness and agronomic practices. This approach is designed to achieve food security and ensure a stable food supply in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda.

Addressing the issue of an aging farmer population, Ikonne explained that the NALDA Institute aims to engage young people from primary school through tertiary education, fostering early interest in agribusiness and serving as a platform for professional research. “We conceived the NALDA Institute of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship with the President’s approval, and the school is set to commence in September,” he noted.

The institute in Abia is ready for the 2024/2025 academic session starting in September, while the one in Ogun is nearly complete and will begin classes next year. The institute in Katsina is 89 percent finished. These initiatives are critical, as without engaging the youth in agriculture, Nigeria risks losing its farmer population as the current generation ages and retires.

The institute currently offers government-approved certificate courses in fishery, poultry, snail farming, and hatchery.

Ikonne also detailed NALDA’s efforts to support farmers by distributing farm inputs such as seeds, herbicides, and pesticides. This initiative primarily benefits women and youth, with training provided on best agronomic practices to enhance yields. Over ten states have benefited from this program so far.

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Additionally, NALDA has been distributing seeds since last year, providing 10 kg bags to help farmers cultivate a hectare with all necessary inputs for maize, rice, and beans. Emphasizing the importance of mechanization in agriculture, Ikonne mentioned the acquisition of drones for aerial mapping and spraying fertilizers and herbicides, alongside tractors and combine harvesters used for large-scale production. For instance, in Benue, NALDA harvested from 200 hectares of rice last season.

To further support farmers, NALDA is compiling a comprehensive database of farmers in Nigeria to ensure that government assistance reaches genuine farmers.